BANGLADESH AIR FORCE NEWS: 2011

AIR FORCE REPLACES CONTINGENT AT CONGO

Dhaka, September 24:- Bangladesh Air Force is going to replace a BAF contingent at United Nations peace keeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

BANAIR-8 : will be replaced by BANAIR-9 consisting of 318 BAF members including 57 officers. As a part of this programme a 60 member BAF team left Dhaka for Congo by UN chartered plane on Friday night. Remaining contingent members will leave Dhaka for Congo by 05 October in different flights.

BANAIR-9 is comprised of Utility Aviation Unit and Air Field Services Unit led by Group Captain HNM Ehtesham Mahmud and Group Captain M Atiar Rahman respectively. Mentionable, Bangladesh Air Force achieved confidence of Congo Government and general public by discharging their duties in metigating conflict with effeciency, professionalism and sincerity. Earlier, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman briefed the contingent members at BAF Base Bashar on 20 September 2011 and offered special munajat for success of the mission.

BAFWWA STIPEND HANDED OVER

Dhaka, September 21:- Bangladesh Air Force Women Welfare Association (BAFWWA) stipend has been handed over to 155 meritorious students for their outstanding performance in SSC, HSC, O level and A level examination held in 2011. Wife of Chief of Air Staff and BAFWWA President Begum Shamima Zia handed over the cheques of stipend ceremonially as chief guest at Falcon Hall, Tejgaon today, Wednesday (21-9-201 1).

A total of 50 student got golden GPA-5 in SSC and HSC examination and a total of 102 students got GPA-5 in SSC and HSC examination this year. On the other hand 3 students got A grade marks in O level and A level examination this year. Mentionable that all these students are the children of BAF members. Students who got golden GPA in SSC and HSC examination received 2000/= and ‘ 3000/= each respectively and students who got GPA-5 in SSC and HSC examination received taka 1000/= and 2000/= respectively. Also, 3 student received taka 2000/= and 3000/= each for their brilliant result in O level and A level examination this year. Mentionable, BAFWWA executives, senior BAF officers, Principals of respective schools and colleges and guardians of stipend recipients were present on the occasion.

BAF AIR DEFENCE EXERCISE“MINIEX-1”BEGINS TOMORROW

Dhaka, September 12:- A day long Air Defence Exercise titled ‘MINIEX-1’ of Bangladesh Air Force will begin at the BAF Base Kurmitola, Zahurul Haque and Birshreshtho Matiur Rahman tomorrow, Tuesday (13-09-2011). The aim of this exercise is to test present Air Defence system to defend Dhaka City. Different types of BAF fighter aircraft and Radar Squadrons of different Bases are participating in the exercise.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman awarded certificates among 06 Trainee Pilots as chief guest. Addressing to the Trainee Pilots on the occasion Air Chief said, “The skill and professionalism that you have acquired through your training in this course will be the founding stone of your future career in operational squadron.” He further said that the pilots should stand firm and resolute whenever the call of duty came to defend the airspace of the country. Among others, senior BAF officers were present on the occasion. Earlier, on his arrival at the Base the Chief of Air Staff was received by Air Officer Commanding of the local Base Air Commodore M Sanaul Haque.

BAF OBSERVES FORMER AIR CHIEF AIR VICE MARSHAL BASHAR’S DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Dhaka, September 02:- Bangladesh Air Force observed the 35th death anniversary of the former Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Khademul Bashar, Bir Uttam, yesterday, Thursday (01-9-2011) with due solemnity. Air Vice Marshal Bashar possesses the rare dignity of commanding the 6th sector during liberation war of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Air Force remembers this freedom fighter for his glorious contribution in achieving independence and building of Bangladesah Air Force with due respect and honour. This brave pilot died on 01 September 1976 in a tragic plane accident.

On this occasion mahfil-e-rnilad was arranged at the central mosques of BAF Base Bashar and BAF Base Kurmitola after Fazr and Asr prayers respectively. Munajat was also offered seeking divine blessings for salvation of the departed soul and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country. Later, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman visited the grave of former Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Khademul Bashar, Bir Uttam at BAF Base Kurmitola and offered munajat for the salvation of the departed soul of the deceased. Senior BAF officers and a good number of Airmen and civilian employees were present at that time.

Dhaka, August 25: – The certificate award ceremony of No. 87 Junior Command and Staff Course of Bangladesh Air Force was held at BAF Command and Staff Training Institute (CSTI) at Dhaka Cantonment today, Thursday (25-08-2011).

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations & Training) Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar attended the ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates among the graduating officers. Thirteen officers from Bangladesh Air Force, one officer each from Indian Air Force and Sri Lanka Air Force attended the course. The participants include two female officers of Bangladesh Air Force. Squadron Leader Wasim UI Ban Rajib of Bangladesh Air Force was awarded with the “Chief of Air Staff’s Trophy” for his best performance in the course. Addressing the student-officers on the occasion Assistant Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar said, “The training you have received from this institute will only be beneficial when you successfully implement the acquired knowledge in your practical fields.” Today’s military war virtually rested upon the effectiveness of Air Force and the value of training had been felt more in Air Force, he added. Referring to the overseas student-officers’ participation in the course, he thanked the government of participating countries and hoped that they would continue to send their officers in future as well. Earlier, in the welcome address, the Officer Commanding of the institute Wing Commander Md Shafiqul Alam gave a brief resume on the different courses conducted by CSTI. Among others, senior BAF Officers were present on the occasion.

On this occasion mahfil-e-milad was arranged at the central mosques at all BAF Bases after Magrib prayer. His noble sacrifice in the War of Liberation in 1971 was remembered with high esteem. Munajat was also offered seeking divine blessings of the departed soul of the deceased and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country. In the milad mahfil, officers and members of all ranks of the Bangladesh Air Force were present. Earlier, in the morning today Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Admin) Air Vice 4Marshal Muhammad Enamul Ban visited the grave of Matiur Rahman at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard at Mirpur and offered munajat for the salvation of the departed soul of Shaheed Flight Lieutenant M Matiur Rahman. Wife of Flight Lieutenant M Matiur Rahman, Bir Shreshtho, Milee Rahman was present on the occasion.

MWO AKM SHAMSUL HUDA PASSES AWAY

Chittagong, August 08 :- Valiant Freedom Fighter and Master Warrant Officer AKM Shamsul Huda (Retd.) of Bangladesh Air Force passed away on 03 August 2011 in USA while he was undergoing medical treatment at the age of 61 (Innalillahe_ _ _ _ _ Rajeun). He left behind his wife, 04 sons and a host of relatives. His Namaj-e-Zanaja was held after Asar prayer today at East Firoz Shah Housing State Graveyard, Khulshi, Chittagong.

Senior officers and members of different ranks of BAF attended the Namaj-e-Zanaja. Under the guidance of BAF, after Namaj-e-Zanaja and he was buried with full statd honour at East Firoz Shah Housing State Graveyard, Khulshi, Chittagong. Mentionable that he ran away from Pakistan and joined in the Liberation War under Sector No-11 in 1971 and fought in different battle fields valiantly.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Admin) Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari attended the ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates among the participating student-officers. A total of five BAF officers and one officer from Bangladesh Army took part in the two-week long course. In his speech Air Vice Marshal Enamul Bari advised the student-officers to go into the deep of every incident and find out the exact cause and recommend measures to stop recurrence. Earlier, Officer Commanding of the institute Group Captain Muhammad Belal gave a brief resume on the courses it runs. Among others Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bashar Air Commodore Md. Naim Hassan and senior BAF officers were present on the occasion.

SEMINAR ON DIGITAL BANGLADESH AND DIGITALIZATION IN BAF AT CSTI HELD

Dhaka, July 28 :- A day-long seminar on “Digital Bangladesh and Digitalization in BAF” held at BAF Command and Staff Training Institute (CSTI) at Dhaka Cantonment today, Thursday (28-07-2011).

Dhaka, July 26:- Bangladesh Air Force is going to replace a BAF contingent comprising of 36 member at United Nations peace keeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

A total of 36 BAF personnel led by Group Captain M Mafidur Rahman left Dhaka for Congo by Emirates Airline’s flight on Monday (25-7-201 1). Mentionable, Bangladesh Air Force achieved confidence of Congo Government and general public by discharging their duties in metigating conflict with effeciency, professionalism and sincerity. Monajat was offered seeking more excellence of the contingents in future at departure lounge of the Hazrat Shahjahal International Airport prior to their departure for Congo. Senior BAF officers were present at the airport and saw them off. Earlier, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman briefed the contingent members at BAF Base Bashar on 21 July 2011 and offered special munajat for success of the mission.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations & Training) Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar awarded certificates among the student-officers as chief guest. A total of 10 student-officers of BAF attended the course. Among them eight are in the rank of Wing Commander and two are in the rank of Squadron Leader. Speaking to the student-officers on the occasion Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar said, “your acquried knowledge from the training will only be deemed benificial when you will successfully implement those in the practical field”. He further said that there could not be a better legacy than training in the life of a person, who pursued a career in the armed forces. Earlier, Officer Commanding of CSTI Wing Commander Md Shafiqul Alam in his welcome address gave a brief resume on the course. Among others, senior BAF officers were present on the occasion.

CERTIFICATE AWARD CEREMONY OF BAF FLYING INSTURCTORS’ COURSE HELD

Arulia (Bogra), July 10:- Certificate award ceremony of No 43 Flying Instructors’ Course of Bangladesh Air Force was held here at BAF Flying Instructors’ School (FIS) today, Sunday (10-07-2011).

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman attended the ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates among the graduating pilots. Twelve officers from Bangladesh Air Force took part in the course. Squadron Leader Md Hamidul Haque was adjudged the best all- round student-officer and was awarded with the ‘Mofiz Trophy’. Speaking to the student-officers on the occasion Chief of Air Staff said that Flying Instructors needed to acquire a high level of Knowledge and skill, including the ability of exercise judgement and solve problems. An instructor must establish a receptive and cooperative working relationship with his students as soon as possibe, he added. Earlier, Officer Commanding of Flying Instructors’ School Wing Commonder Mahmud Mehedi Hussain gave a brief resume on the courses conducted by Flying Instructors’ School. Among others, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Admin) Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bir Shreshtho Matiur Rahman Air Commodore Md. Anwarul Haque, senior BAF and army officers of Bogra Cantonment were present on the occasion.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman attended the ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates among the student-officers. Seven officers from Bangladesh Air Force, two officers from Bangladesh Army, one officer each from Indian Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force and Turkish Air Force attended the course. Flight Lieutenant Md. Ehteshamul Haque of Bangladesh Air Force was awarded the ‘Chief of Air Staffs’ Trophy” for his best performance in the course. Addressing to the student-officers on the occasion Chief of Air Staff said that their experience and sincere contribution in the field of safety would be tested by the incidents that would have happened but could be avoided by their timely anticipation and prompt action. He advised them to share knowledge that they have acquired and exploit it further to refine their talent through dedication and innovative ideas in promoting safety. Referring to the overseas student-officers’ participation, Chief of Air Staff expressed his firm conviction that the mutual sense of solidarity and friendship would further be cemented in future through such participation. Earlier, in his address of welcome, Officer Commanding of Flight Safety Institute (FSI) Group Captain Muhammad Belal gave a brief resume on the different courses conducted by FSI.

Among others, Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters, Senior BAF Officers, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Dhaka, Defence Attaches of India and Turkey were present on the occasion. Later Chief of Air Staff participated in a photo session with the graduating officers.

RETIRED BAF OFFICER’S NAMAJ-E-ZANAJA HELD AND BURIED AT BANANI MILITARY GRAVEYARD

Dhaka, July 04:- Valiant Freedom Fighter and Retired BAF Officer Group Captain TAM Ashraful Islam expired today, Monday (04-07- 2011) morning at Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 71. He left behind his wife, 02 Sons, 01 daughter and a number of relatives. His Namaj-E-Zanaja was held after Johar prayer at Central Mosque of BAF Base Bashar today.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman, Senior Defence Officers and members of all ranks attended the Namaj-E-Zanaja. After Namaj-E-Zanaja he was buried at Banani Military Graveyard with full state honur. Mentionable that, he ran away from Pakistan and joined in the Liberation War of Bangladesh under Sector No-5 in 1971.

BAF FOOTBALL COMPETITION CONCLUDES

Jessore, July 07 :- Inter-Base Football Competition of the Bangladesh Air Force concluded here at the BAF Base Matiur Rahman in Jessore on Thursday (07- 07-2011).

BAF Base Kurmitola team clinched the title while BAF Base Zahurul Haque team became runner-up. They defeated BAF Base Zahurul Haque team by 1-0 goal in the final match. Flight Lieutenant Mahmudur Rahman of BAF Base Zhurul Haque team Was adjudged the best player of the meet. Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bir Shrestho Matiur Rahman Air Commodore M Anwarul Haque Sardar, ndc, fawc, psc witnessed the final match as chief guest and later distributed trophies. Among others, senior BAF officers and a large number of Airmen were present on the occasion.

SUMMER GRADUATION PARADE HELD AT BAF ACADEMY

Jessore, June 20:- Summer Graduation Parade marking the commissioning of No 63 Flight Cadet Course of Bangladesh Air Force was held here at the BAF Academy Parade Square today, Monday (20-06-2011).

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman attended the ceremony as chief guest. He reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive march past. He handed over awards, certificates and flying badges among the Flight Cadets. Flight Cadet Wing Under Officer Waqar Younus was presented with the coveted “Sword of Honour” for his best all round performance in No 63 Flight Cadet Course. He also received “Commandant’s Trophy” for his best performance in General Service Training. Flight Cadet Under Officer Mirza Mohammad Ashfaque awarded with “Bir Shreshtho Flight lieutenant Matiur Rahman Trophy” for his best performance in Flying Training. Flight Cadet Sergeant Abrar Hamim received “Chief of Air Staff’s Trophy” for his best all round performance in 63 Flight Cadet Course (Ground Branch). Meanwhile, the Number 1 Squadron was adjudged the Champion Squadron and was given Academy Colour.

Addressing on the occasion Chief of Air Staff said that Bangladesh Air Force which has been emerged through great Liberation War is the invigilant guard of independence and sovereignty of the country. He called upon the newly commissioned officers to build up themselves as eligible successors of future leadership discharging duties with honesty, sincerity and devotion. Air Chief referred the newly established Air Base Cox’s Bazar and said, the present government took this pragmatic steps to make the Air Force more strong, professional and effective. Air Chief remembered the Father of the Nation Bangabandha Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with rich tributes.

A total of 14 Flight Cadets including four female cadets were commissioned this time. Flight Cadet Wing Under Officer Waqar Younus commanded tire parade which was followed by a spectacular fly past of different aircraft of BAF Academy. Earlier, on his arrival at the parade square Chief of Air Staff was received by Air Officer Commanding of the local Base Air Commodore Md. Anwarul Haque Sardar. Among others, high civil and military officials, diplomats, parents and guardians of the cadets were present on the occasion.

BAF TREE PLANTATION PROGRAMME INAUGURATED

Dhaka, June 14:- Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman inaugurated Tree Plantation Programme of Bangladesh Air Force by planting a star-apple sapling at Air Headquarters premises today, Tuesday (14-6-2011).

Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters and Senior BAF Officers also participated in the tree plantation programme. Similar programme has also been taken in different BAF establishment and Base areas. Bangladesh Air Force Women Welfare Association will also take part in tree plantation programme. Mentionable that like previous year this year also Bangladesh Air Force has chalked out an elaborate tree plantation programme. This year’s programme included planting of saplings of herbal, fruit bearing, shade giving and other varieties of trees having timber value.